What is found at the center of an atom?

The nucleus is the central part of an atom and plays a crucial role in its structure and behavior. It is composed of protons and neutrons, which are subatomic particles that contribute to the atom's overall mass and positive charge. The nucleus is surrounded by electrons that orbit in various energy levels around it, but the nucleus itself is dense and contains most of the atom's mass.

Understanding the role of the nucleus is fundamental in fields such as radiation safety and protection, as it is where nuclear reactions occur, including those that can lead to radioactive decay. The properties of the nucleus, including the number of protons (which determine the atomic number and element identity) and neutrons (which influence stability), are central to how atoms interact in chemical reactions and how they respond to radiation.